Manuel Netto Farm

Manuel Netto
1895 Riverside Rd
Watsonville, CA
831-726-2124

Markets: Aptos and Monterey

Products: Peppers, corn, beans, tomatoes, squash, prickly pears, passion fruit

History/Philosophy: Manuel Netto learned to farm from his father, who emigrated from Portugal in 1920 and purchased a farm in San Juan Bautista where he grew apricots and raised cattle. In 1942, Manuel purchased his own land, a 21 acre apricot farm in Watsonville. He produced dried apricots which he sold to packers until 1992. For a few years, Manuel also sold fresh apricots from his home. In the early 1990s the apricot orchard was coming to the end of its natural life. Rather than re-planting and starting the over, Manuel began planning other crops starting with tomatoes. He started growing corn, pumpkins, squash, beans and peppers. He then added prickly pears and passion fruit.

While his three children were in grade school, they were a big help on the farm. His son served on the board of the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Market and Manuel completed his term for him when he left for college. Manuel is very proud of his kids; they all graduated from college, and are now enjoying successful careers.

Manuel is one of the founding members of the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets, established in 1976, and one of the original farmers at the Aptos, Del Monte and Monterey markets.

Today Manuel is assisted by one worker who helps him run his conventional farming operation on about four acres. You'll be greeted warmly by Manuel every Saturday morning at the Aptos Farmers Market and on Thursday afternoons in Monterey.